The Comedy Loft in downtown Lincoln will celebrate its one-year anniversary April 12-13 with special guest comic magician Derek Hughes from "America’s Got Talent."

During its first year, the club has been recognized nationally by top comics and agents alike. Several notable acts have also stopped in for special appearances during The Comedy Loft’s first year, including Preacher Lawson, a recent finalist on "America’s Got Talent: The Champions," and Larry The Cable Guy, who performed two guest sets at The Comedy Loft, his first at any club in 17 years.

“This club is great!” he said. “It’s a riot. I’m glad Lincoln has a comedy club again!”

Created a year ago on the second floor of The Creamery Building in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket District, The Comedy Loft has quickly built a reputation on the national circuit, bringing many top headliners to Lincoln who have been seen on Netflix, Comedy Central and other national television programs.

During its last round of booking, The Comedy Loft was contacted by some of the largest agencies in the United States.

“This usually takes clubs years to do,” said Juli Burney of The Comedy Loft. “This club is bringing many people to our city. Not only the comics but people who come here to see them. It also allows an entertainment outlet that we have not had since 1994. A city of our size deserves to have a comedy club like this.”

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The April lineup of acts includes:

Brent Pella with feature act Nate Abshire April 6. From Los Angeles, Pella's viral comedy videos have gained more than 50 million views online and have been featured on MTV, Funny or Die, WorldStar, The Chive, Unilad, Brobible and more. An alumnus of prestigious improv and sketch theaters in LA including UCB and The Groundlings, Pella currently headlines colleges and comedy clubs across the U.S. and Canada while continuing to produce his own projects for weekly release online.

Derek Hughes will perform four shows the weekend of April 12-13 for The Comedy Loft’s one-year anniversary. A top ten finalist on "America’s Got Talent," Hughes combines stand-up comedy with magic. He has been lauded by audiences and critics alike, with the New York Times calling him “thoroughly entertaining.” Hughes has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central and the CW’s "Penn & Teller: Fool Us." Also appearing will be feature act Charlie Kojis.

Lisa Best with feature act Richard Reese take to the stage April 19-20. Best is a comedian, writer and performer from Los Angeles and has quickly made a name for herself in LA’s alternative scene as a quirky comic and skilled storyteller. In summer 2018, Best made her television stand-up debut on "The Late Late Show with James Corden." As a stand-up, she has been a featured performer at Sarah Silverman's first annual JASH Fesht in Palm Springs, All Jane Comedy Festival in Portland, Los Angeles' alternative comedy festival RIOT, and two years in a row at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival. Best has also appeared in digital sketches for Comedy Central, Funny or Die and IFC's Comedy Crib.

David Waite with feature act Nathan Hults will perform April 26-27. From Los Angeles, Waite is a charismatic oddball whose shows are non-stop fun. He has appeared on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," Comedy Central’s "Not Safe With Nikki Glaser" and "Last Comic Standing." He shares his offbeat outlook on life as a guest on several top-rated podcasts and radio shows, including Doug Loves Movies and the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show.

The Comedy Loft is located on the second floor of The Creamery Building at 701 P St. Showtimes Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For a complete list of prices and to make reservations, go to comedyloft.club. Advance reservations are recommended. Patrons may also reserve VIP parking from Park and Go ahead of time by calling 441-PARK.